Steelers Could Seek Unexpected Reunion To Boost Receiving Corps

The Pittsburgh Steelers currently find themselves lacking major depth in the wide receiver room. After trading star wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange of a third-round pick (and more), the Steelers now lack true wide receiver depth outside of DK Metcalf. Metcalf, who was acquired by the Steelers in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks earlier in the offseason, is expected to play a major role on Pittsburgh's offense in 2025.

With the rest of the receiver room consisting of Calvin Austin lll, Roman Wilson and Robert Woods, the Steelers are expected to be on the market for a wideout in the near future. With many big-name receivers still available in free agency, the Steelers are expected to evaluate the market and all options are on the table. One option that continues to make more and more sense as we approach the start of training camp is former Steeler and current UFL All-League selectee Deon Cain. 

Cain, who split time between Pittsburgh and the Indianapolis Colts over his two NFL seasons, is considered to be one of the more talented receivers in the UFL and is having a career year in 2025. Beginning his UFL career with the Birmingham Stallions in 2023, Cain has emerged as an elite play-maker and has been a major factor in the Stallions' success over recent years. 

Cain earned MVP honors in the 2023 USFL Championship game as well, with the former Steeler being credited with three touchdowns and 70 yards on four receptions. Despite an early NFL departure, Cain has proven to be an elite difference-maker during his time with the Stallions, and may prove to make an impact in an underwhelming Pittsburgh wide receiver room. 

Standing at 6'1" and 202 pounds, Cain was originally drafted as a sixth-round pick by the Colts and was expected to play a key role in the team's offense. The former Clemson Tiger was released by the Colts in 2019, when he then joined the Steelers for the remainder of the season. 

With Metcalf solidifying himself as the Steelers' clear-cut wide receiver one entering 2025, and both Austin and Wilson emerging as legitimate wide receiver two candidates, a reunion between Cain and the Steelers may prove to be worthwhile. 

Cain, who would instantly aid in creating space for Metcalf, is a fast and athletic play-maker that would more than likely be a cheap and risk-free option for Pittsburgh. As the former Steeler continues to shine and play a major role for the Stallions, fans should keep a close eye on the UFL star in the upcoming weeks.

Steelers Also Have Similar Depth Issues In The Quarterback Room

As the Steelers continue to address depth issues in the wide receiver room, the team finds itself with similar problems in the quarterback room as well. With Mason Rudolph currently projected to be the Steelers' starting quarterback in Week 1, Pittsburgh has remained in contact with free agent and future Hall of Fame quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. 

Rodgers, who is entering what is more than likely his final NFL season, is a player that is far past his prime, but he could still add some major firepower to a lackluster Pittsburgh quarterback room.

With the rest of the room consisting of Skylar Thompson and rookie Will Howard, the Steelers are expected to add a starting-caliber quarterback to their roster sooner rather than later. Howard, a sixth-round selection out of Ohio State, is a promising rookie that is expected to have an opportunity to contribute in the future. With the start of training camp continuing to inch closer, Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his staff will have a better understanding of where the team stands on offense shortly.